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F-16 drops fuel tanks in Lake Huron, Michigan parking lot

(NewsNation) — An F-16 flying over Michigan had to drop two fuel tanks due to an emergency, with one of the tanks exploding in Lake Huron.

Authorities received a distress call from an aircraft identified as “Buzz 11,” declaring an emergency on Wednesday afternoon.


The F-16 was one of two jets flying in the area, both of which were attached to the 180th Fighter Squadron from the Toledo, Ohio, Air National Guard, the Iosco County Sheriff’s Department said on Facebook.

The U.S. Coast Guard and local water rescue teams were dispatched because it was unclear if a plane had landed in the lake and, if so, whether the pilot was still in the plane or had ejected. The teams were called off after authorities found the plane had not crashed in the water.

The jet dropped two fuel tanks following the distress call, with one landing in Lake Huron and exploding. The other tank landed in a parking lot that housed several stores, including a Tractor Supply and Save-A-Lot.

No injuries were reported, but some vehicles sustained minor damage.

Both F-16s landed safely in Toledo, Ohio, following the incident. Law enforcement is asking people to stay away from the area while clean up is occurring.